Community Gears Up for Dusty Fun Run and Walk
Sat., Nov. 11

Hundreds of runners and walkers are preparing to participate
in Texas A&M International University's sixth annual
"Dusty Fun Run and Walk," an event benefiting student
scholarships.

The Dusty Fun Run and Walk is scheduled to take place on
Saturday, Nov. 11 on the A&M International campus.
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with competitive 5K and 10K runs
and a non-competitive 2-mile Fun Walk starting at 8:30 a.m.

A&M International president Dr. Charles Jennett said last
year's event attracted over 220 runners and walkers, including
some from as far away as Monterrey and Kingsville. He hopes this
year's event will draw even more participants.

"The community's response to the Dusty Fun Run and Walk
has been tremendous. Everyone from grade school students to
grandparents has helped support student scholarships. We're
looking forward to a record participation and assistance for our
student scholarship fundraising efforts," he said.

One Dusty Fun Run and Walk participant will be 10-year old
Bernie Navarro, a student from M.S. Ryan Elementary School.

"I'm doing my part to help others get a good education.
Getting a good education is important. I know because my mom is a
teacher and she graduated from Texas A&M International
University. That's why I want to help. The University helped my
mom, now I'm helping them," he said.

Dr. Jennett noted this year's event has been made more
"kid-friendly" with the addition of a competitive group
for children ages 12 and under. Participants in this category
will have "running buddies," student volunteers from
the University's Fitness and Sports program, to ensure maximum
safety. Children 12 and under will also receive a special
certificate of participation as well as an official Dusty Fun Run
& Walk T Shirt.

Additionally, fun children's games that teach first aid/safety
and encourage fitness and motor development will be set up for
young Dusty Fun Run and Walk participants. The children's games
are free and are sponsored by A&M International's Fitness and
Sports majors.

Entry Fee for children 12 and under is $2. Entry Fee for
students and persons ages 65 and over is $5. Entry Fee for adults
is $20. All paid participants will receive an official Dusty Fun
Run & Walk T Shirt.

Dusty Fun Run and Walk participants may choose to participate
in a competitive 5K run, competitive 10K run, or non-competitive
2-mile Fun Walk. Both the 5 and 10K race courses feature a
variety of terrain including asphalt, dirt, grass, and some
hills. Water stations and first aid stations will be set up along
the course.

Trophies to be awarded in 5K and 10K run categories to the top
three finishers in each competing age group and the overall top
female and male finishers

Entry forms are available by calling the University's Office
for Institutional Advancement at 326-2168. Registration may also
be completed on the day of the event at 7:30 a.m.